Upload Hourly ROI Calculator

📖 Overview

Creator output should be measured by return on time not just total revenue.

This tool converts each content idea into an effective hourly outcome after hard costs.

Use it to prioritize formats that scale income with less burnout.

Use these default and higher-pressure example inputs to explore how sensitive this calculator is before using your real numbers.

Calculates effective hourly return per upload after accounting for production time and direct costs.

The Formula

Hourly ROI = (Expected Revenue − Direct Costs) ÷ (Production Hours + Editing Hours)

Expected Revenue	Projected gross monetization for the upload
Direct Costs	Editing, assets, music, software, contractor, etc.
Prod + Edit Hours	Total creator time invested in this piece
Hourly ROI	Net value produced per hour spent

💡Negative hourly ROI can still be acceptable for strategic content, but should be intentional.

Use this tool when you need a fast decision during active planning or execution.
Use this before committing money, time, or tradeoffs that are hard to reverse.
Use this to compare options using the same assumptions across scenarios.

Results can be misleading if key inputs are missing, stale, or unrealistic.
Very small or very large values may amplify rounding effects and interpretation risk.
If assumptions change mid-decision, recalculate before acting.

💡 Track multiple uploads to find repeatable formats with stronger hourly return.

💡 Include outsourced editing and music/licensing costs for realistic net.

💡 Separate strategic brand-building uploads from direct ROI uploads.

❓ Can this be negative?

Yes, if costs exceed expected revenue.

❓ Is this cashflow or profit?

This is net revenue efficiency per hour for one upload scenario.